Information:
Covenant House of Georgia: covenanthousega.org
Boys and Girls Club of Hall County: boysgirlsclubs.com
TBH Sports: tbhsports.com.
Hosted by TBH Sports, the second annual Beyond The Game Summit, held in June, welcomed Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers, Brian Poole of the Atlanta Falcons and more star athletes to Atlanta for a financial literacy summit.
The summit aimed to educate and inform professional athletes about preparing for post-athletic career success. But it also included ways that the athletes gave back to youth through various charities and activities in the city.
“The summit weekend focuses on financial literacy, youth mentorship, and promoting local charities because all of these are important to us and our clients,” said Brandon Williams, director of TBH Sports.
“Each year, we also incorporate a charity-related cause to give back to local communities. Our clients realize they live a fairly privileged life, so it’s very important for them to give back to those less fortunate and to inspire youth to achieve their dreams. We want them to have the opportunity to use their status to inspire and encourage others in the community.”
This year, the summit’s attendees hosted a fundraiser dinner for the Boys and Girls Club of Hall County; prepared and shared a meal with Covenant House; and engaged in a day of youth mentorship and fun with high school athletes from the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Brian Poole, a player for the Atlanta Falcons, reflected on the importance of the summit and giving back to the local community. “I’m a product of the Boys and Girls Clubs, and think they should be supported in every way. The work they do for the community is extremely important and really shapes the lives of the youth they serve,” he said.
The athletes took the time to also prepare and serve meals to youth at Covenant House, in hopes to leave an indelible mark on their progress to success. The organization is a homeless shelter for homeless, runaway and trafficked youth between the ages of 18-21 years old.
“Each person that walks through our door has an impact on our youth — they show them that they care,” said Kellie Glenn, director of development. “We hope that being in the presence of those who have found success using their skills and talents will encourage them to explore their own talents and potential do the same.”
And like the athletes, the community can also give back to BGC Hall County and Covenant House by mentoring or organizing various service projects, respectively. Additionally, TBH Sports looks for volunteers for each summit weekend.
“It was a meaningful experience for them all and something they will never forget,” added Glenn. “We hope that the kids took away the realization that they are truly cared for and supported by their community.”
In other news: During the month of June, Marlow's Tavern raised over $20,000 for the Special Olympics Georgia. The money raised will cover expenses for approximately 226 athletes to participate in a weekend-long state competition this year.
About the Author
